MRI: Acquisition of a Variable-Property Material Synthesizing Instrument

这笔重大研究仪器(MRI)赠款支持在德克萨斯农工大学金斯维尔分校(TAMUK)购买一台最先进的可变性能材料合成仪器(Objet Connex500)，用于功能分级材料系统的前沿研究。该仪器直接将特定浓度和结构的两种组分材料结合在一起，设计出新型的可变性能材料体系。通过直接制造，复杂的系统可以在一个建造过程中制造，从而消除设计限制并节省能源。该仪器将推进新型可变性能材料系统设计的基础研究，使顺应机制和智能结构的开发成为可能，以及有机半导体、超导体和其他有机电子器件的格式。该仪器将支持一个多学科团队和TAMUK本科生的研究。未被充分代表的西班牙裔研究生和本科生将获得增强的课程和最先进的工具；这种经历将使他们拥有独特的技能和更广泛的职业选择。该仪器将出现在暑期推广计划中，并将提供给地区教育机构。该仪器将促进南得克萨斯州的研究竞争力和创新--这是一个经济困难的地区。当地工业将通过Javelina创新中心进入，该中心成立的目的是帮助当地工业以低成本的方式模拟、设计和制造新产品。

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant supports acquisition of a state-of-the-art variable-property material synthesizing instrument (OBJET Connex500) for leading-edge research on functionally-graded material systems at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). The instrument directly combines two component materials in specific concentrations and structures to design novel variable-property material systems. With direct fabrication, complex systems can be fabricated in a single build process, eliminating design restrictions and saving energy. The instrumentation will advance fundamental research on the design of novel variable-property material systems, enabling the development of compliant mechanisms and smart structures, and formats for organic semiconductors, superconductors, and other organic electronic devices. The instrumentation will support research by a multidisciplinary team and by TAMUK undergraduate students. Underrepresented graduate and undergraduate Hispanic students will be given access to enhanced curriculum and the state-of-the-art instrumentation; this experience will give them unique skills and broader career options. The instrumentation will be featured in summer outreach programs and will be made available to regional educational institutions. The instrumentation will spur enhanced research competitiveness and innovation in South Texas-an economically challenged area. Local industry will gain access through the Javelina Innovation Center, which was established to aid local industry in simulating, designing, and manufacturing novel products in a low-cost manner.